Château Branaire-Ducru is situated on the opposite side of the road from Château Beychevelle in the south of the St-Julien appellation. Patrick Maroteaux has owned the property since 1988 and he has invested heavily in new plantings as well as installing a spanking new cuvier and an ultra-modern chai.

"Château Talbot takes its name from John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, who in 1453 suffered the ignominy of losing the battle — and with it his life — which allowed Bordeaux and its vineyards to slip back into French control after belonging to the British Crown for over 340 years.

"Château Talbot takes its name from John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, who in 1453 suffered the ignominy of losing the battle — and with it his life — which allowed Bordeaux and its vineyards to slip back into French control after belonging to the British Crown for over 340 years.